The SupplyChainBrain Podcast

Supply chain managers are in a risky business. Does the insurance industry have their back?

If picking the right systems for automating logistics is a journey, how do you even get out the door?

Anders Lillevich, CEO of Focal Point and an industry veteran, discusses the dynamic evolution of the Chief Procurement Officer (CPO). He emphasizes how today’s CPOs must adapt to geopolitical shifts and embrace AI in their strategies. Lillevich highlights the need for renegotiation and strong supplier relationships to navigate tariff challenges. The conversation dives into balancing short-term immediate needs with long-term strategic goals, stressing the importance of emotional intelligence and the training required for future procurement leaders.

Tracy Ortiz, Director of Product Management at SPS Commerce, dives deep into the complex world of tariffs and their ramifications on global logistics. She highlights how importers and exporters face increased costs and challenges thanks to shifting customs regulations. The conversation covers the impact of technology in improving supply chain efficiency and the need for real-time inventory management. Tracy also discusses the difficulties faced by smaller logistics firms in managing decentralized inventory and the critical role of collaboration in navigating these evolving dynamics.

Is the “person” you’re talking to on that kiosk screen an actual human? Or a metahuman?

Jonathan Boda, an information security consultant at KEMA CC Lab, highlights the pressing need for manufacturers of radio equipment to prepare for new EU cybersecurity regulations. He discusses major vulnerabilities in IoT devices that utilize Wi-Fi and 5G technologies. Boda emphasizes the complexities of maintaining both security design and user education, pointing out the critical role both play in safeguarding sensitive data. With evolving regulations, he urges manufacturers to step up and adapt in order to meet compliance and enhance cybersecurity standards.

Today’s foodservice fleets not only have to respond to disruptions — they need to do it in real time.

High tariffs are a major concern for traders, but the bigger problem is just figuring out what they’re going to be.

Maggie Switek, an economist and research director at the Milken Institute, discusses the potential impact of Trump-era tariffs on Mexico's manufacturing sector. She explores how these tariffs could disrupt Mexico’s role as a key manufacturing hub for the U.S. market. The conversation also highlights the shift of companies from China to Mexico and the growing participation of women in STEM fields, which could bolster the labor market. Additionally, Switek discusses Claudia Sheinbaum's economic strategies and their implications for U.S.-Mexico relations.

Wiley Jones, CEO of DOS and an expert in adaptive ERP solutions, discusses the evolution of ERP technology over three decades. He traces its journey from Material Requirements Planning to modern cloud-based systems. The conversation highlights the importance of organizational adaptation during ERP implementations and the challenges of upgrading legacy systems. Jones emphasizes how AI and new technologies are reshaping ERP functionalities, offering insights into the future of enterprise resource planning and the unique offerings of his company's adaptive solutions.